Spanish Immigration focuses on life in Spain: Tapas is a culinary essence of Spain, found in almost every restaurant and small eatery. These small dishes have a hint of sourness and cream cheese flavor, and are generally quite delicious. The origin of Tapas is said to be that travelers, unable to have a formal meal, would quickly grab a bite at the restaurant entrance or by the cart, often a plate of food accompanied by a piece of bread. This is not only suitable for busy modern individuals but also for women who are concerned about weight, as the small portions of Tapas are just right.
There are many legends about the origin of Tapas.
One legend tells that long ago, the King of Spain fell ill and could not eat large meals, only wanting light snacks. So the chef prepared several signature small dishes, which made the king very happy. He then ordered that such snacks should also be served during the bar's Happy Hour, for everyone to enjoy. This is the origin of Tapas. However, the original meaning of Tapas is not small dishes, but rather the cover placed on a wine glass by the waiter when serving drinks. In Spanish, tapas means "cover" in English. The king named these light snacks Tapas, meaning they should be served alongside the wine. After the invention of Tapas, the king noticed that the number of drunken people in the country decreased, and this method was emulated by Mediterranean countries. Due to the casual nature of Tapas, there is no definitive conclusion about what Tapas must include. What is available in the kitchen, what the chef wants to make, and the chef's unique skills can all lead to very different offerings at each bar, reminiscent of our concept of "home-cooked meals." Additionally, since the Romans brought olives from the east into Spain and the Arabs brought potatoes, peppers, and vegetables from the south, the seafood-dominated Spanish cuisine became richer, and the flavors of Tapas became more diverse. In present-day Spain, the popularity of a bar often indicates the quality of its Tapas. The fun-loving Spaniards often hop between four bars in the two to three hours between finishing work and having dinner, enjoying a drink and a Tapas at each bar. "After a night of hopping around, if one doesn't eat much, they might just be full."
It can be said that Tapas is not only a type of food but also represents a lifestyle. Convenience, casualness, and hedonism are keywords that embody the spirit of Tapas. In Spain, many people even change places several times in one night to enjoy a few small dishes, a few drinks, and engage in joyful conversations. Life seems to be just like this...